The word of the Avatar seemed to mean something to the grandmother; she straightened up and looked around to make sure that everyone around had seen and noted this sign. "Thank you, Avatar," she said. "I hope that you and the police can resolve your differences, and I--" She pursed her lips. That was more difficult; she respected the authority of Republic City along with the Avatar. "You saved my life, but I have been an honest citizen of this city for most of my life. I will only tell them if they ask."

She glared at the bystanders as if daring them to say anything. The little crowd began to disperse under the force of her personality, now directed toward making sure the police didn't ask about any masked heroes.

Meanwhile, Iroh had entered the tunnel in the cellar only to find it completely blocked not very far in by a large machine, exactly the same diameter as the tunnel. The machine had been rigged to activate when someone got within range on the other side.

It wasn't difficult for him to take apart the trigger mechanism, it was a delicate arrangement that fell apart harmlessly at the first precision blow. But the machine itself was more of a conundrum. In the end, he removed several parts that seemed vital to its operation as well as a radio and took them back to the cellar to examine them in the workshop.